Dr Hambleton said most people developed relatively mild illness, and symptoms could include a rash, feeling flushed, headaches, abdominal pain and feelings of anxiety.

“In this case, the reaction went on to be much more serious.”

He said common anti-histamine drugs might have made a difference if the Bischoffs had been rapidly diagnosed.

He said Australians travelling overseas were at an increased risk of this type of food poisoning for a couple of reasons.

“Scombroid fish are more commonly served internationally, and we know it’s got something to do with fish handling … where there’s less opportunity to refrigerate, there’s increased opportunity for this illness to occur.”

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